Case fans. Where do you connect yours to?

[dr_ml422]

Ok, I did my homework here, and Google, and again vast debate about where to connect your case fans. Most mobos nowadays have at least 3 to 4 connectors so I would presume they would be able to handle at least a couple of 80mm fans. My mobo supports at least 3 not including a port for the psu fan. So would 2 fans put a strain on the mobo? I just ordered a Antec modular psu so the idea is to have the least amount of clutter. Hooking up fans to the psu via the 4 pin connectors is xtra clutter as some wires have to be pointed in the direction of the psu connectors. Same could happen w/the connectors on the mobo, but if at least 1 or 2 fans can be efficiently connected to the mobo w/out clutter, and any unwanted or unforeseen damage that would be cool. I know most connectors on mobo use it, or can be used as monitors, but I could care less about that. I'm more interested in sufficient power for any xtra sata hd, and a additional fan to make sure I have proper cooling. Thnx.

[ipaulo]

I would say either way would be fine. Are these exhaust fans, cause they seem small for intake. What's the wattage of your PSU?

[dr_ml422]

I ordered this> http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=37642648&navid=155441519

I'll have to check if I have room in the front for a 120mm, but as of now I just have the hsf, psu fan, and 2 80mm fans. 1 80mm in front as intake and other in back as exhaust. I'm looking to maybe put third 80mm fan on side as exhaust, but will have to measure as my hsf comes up a lil close to the side where the fan would go. Pretty cool right now. Just getting ready in case I decide to throw another hd in and have 3. Any additional hd's I'll just store and plug in if I need files from it.

[ipaulo]

That looks like plenty of power. Could you post a pic of your case, just curious.

[dr_ml422]

Man, it's on sale now and w/a 500w power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147117

Mine came w/a 450w psu. I put that in my dell, and the 500w I had upgraded to my Dell I put in here. Now the Antec will take over. I'm not going to say for a while, but I'm going to try and not get anything for a while. Posting=$$$. Lol...

[UncasMS]

i have 6x 120mm fans in my main machine (coolermaster cm 690 case) connected to two fan control panels in order to individually regulate them

[dr_ml422]

Hi UnCas. So these fan control panels are something purchased separately and hooked up inside your case? Your case must be large to hold 6 x 120mm fans. What powers your panels? The mobo or power cables?

[doctorhardware]

The fan controllers usually mount in an open 5 1/4 drive bay.

[dr_ml422]

Thnx. I'm good for now though. If anything I'll keep this in mind. I'm going to check though if there's room for a 120 mm fan in the front where I have the 80 mm. If so I'll mount 1 there for better intake. I think 3 80 mm should be fine though.

[UncasMS]

hi dr_ml422,

i have taken a picture of the front of my case so you might see how the fan controls are installed. the xilence version i use are mounted in the 3.5" bay not 5.25.

each of them is connected to the usual molex power supply and feeds the three fans attached to it (the controller on the far right hand side is only for illumination which i have turned off).


when thinking about fans and their size keep in mind that a 120mm fan will have a much better air throughput and usually run more quiet as it needs less rpm.


my coolermaster case is in fact NOT a BIG TOWER but midi.
the fans are placed like this:

- one in front (the blue one) blowing in and cooling the three hdds behind it
- one in the bottom blowing up
- one in the left side part blowing towards the vga
- one in the top of the back blowing out
- two in the top of the case blowing out

[dr_ml422]

Thnx for the pic. I presume your case's power button is located somewhere else as the fan is dead in the middle where they usually are. I'd have to measure any available areas for mounting a 120mm fan. Right now the only place already prepared for mounting one is in the back as a exhaust. I can see the xtra additional holes spaced a lil out from where the 80 mm fan is screwed in. Also did you modify your case w/extra holes to fit those 2 on top of your case, or did your tower come like that also?

[UncasMS]

on the right hand side you can see the silver power and restart button

the case came with ONE 3.5" bay in the mesh-look and i got myself another one for those controls

[dr_ml422]

I see it now. Pretty neat idea having the whole front to use as a cool intake. With all those fans your system must be cool as a cucumber.

[UncasMS]

neither encoding nor gaming make this machine sweat *g*

++

found some pix of the case

at the front behind the blue 120mm fan blowing in you'll find the hdd bays, where i have put 3 samsung sata drives

on the bottom i placed one fan inside the black pre-installed holder

the fan on the back was part of the case as was the one on the left side, which is not depicted in these photos

also the top fan bays cannot be see from the point of view these pix were taken

[dr_ml422]

Wow. You have a different kind of animal there huh. 5 bays for hdd's and 5 for odd's. 6 fans. This place is dangerous. I'm just going to enjoy the idea of getting something like that one day. My cc bill came today, and although it'll be taken care of, it needs a rest.

How are those sammy hdd's anyway? Most just hear about Seagate and WD. I would have to presume that having 3 means great news.